Oldham Council

We’ve round up some great events for you to enjoy this February half term. Take a look at the events below. 

Blackpool comes to Oldham

Friday 12 - Sunday 28 February

Oldham Theme Park opens its doors in the town for three weeks including the February Half Term holidays.

There’s over 25 thrilling rides and attractions, plus free family entertainment on selected days including a meet and greet with all the film characters, plus a kid-size sand pit complete with buckets, spades and deckchairs

On the 20 and 21 of February there will be a sing along with the Snow princesses plus lots of photo opportunities and the chance to meet and greet for the kids.

‘Blackpool Comes to Oldham’ opens weekends and school holidays from Friday 12 February from 1-9pm, Sunday 28 February.

For more information visit: www.blackpoolcomesto.com  

Family fun activities at Gallery Oldham

Monday 15 – Wednesday 17 February, 1 – 4pm

Every school holiday Gallery Oldham host free creative activities for 4 – 10 year olds. Each activity is linked with the current exhibitions so make sure you have a look at them first!

Tuesday 16 February, 1 – 4pm

Egg painting techniques and make your own exotic egg

Wednesday 17 February, 1 – 4pm

Make junk 3D modelling sculptures and clog fighting jointed puppet

All the activities are free with an additional £2 charge for face painting. There’s no need to book, drop in anytime.

Gallery Oldham, Oldham, OL1 1AL

For more information visit: http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/half-term-fun-at-gallery-oldham/

Half term fun at Spindles Shopping Centre

Tuesday 16, Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 February, free

Looking for something to keep the kids entertained this half term?

16 and 18 February, 11am – 3pm

Bring the kids along and they can enjoy free face painting and balloon modelling throughout the day.

20 Saturday, 11am – 3pm

Kids get the opportunity to use their imagination and create their own car from construction blocks. They can then test their creation at the race station with our friendly marshals!

You can meet the Construction Man at intervals throughout the session so don’t forget your camera!

For more information visit: www.visitoldham.com

Tadpoles (Live @ the Library)

Wednesday 17 February, 7pm

A tadpole catching competition challenges a superhero duo to overcome rivalry and harness their strengths. Working as a team, can they save the world… together? 

For more information and tickets visit: http://www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary

Arabian Nights and Days (Live @ the Library)

Friday 19 – Saturday 20 February

Ride the magic carpet to a universe full of laughter, danger and wonder! Trick an evil genie, mix magic potions, open the door that hides the secrets of the world and teach a parrot to become your personal spy! Enjoy a show that is both hilarious and moving.

Oldham Library, Oldham, OL1 1AL

For more information and tickets visit:

http://www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary

Bedtime stories with storyteller Rogan Mills

Various times

Come along in your pyjamas and settle down for bedtime stories. These free sessions are great fun and an ideal way to develop a relaxing bedtime reading routine. Remember to bring along your teddy or favourite cuddly toy! A light supper for the children will be served after the event.

For session times and locations visit:

www.oldham.gov.uk/libraryevents

Get exclusive offers in Oldham town centre, 13 - 21 February 2016! 

Offers will be revealed on 8 February, just visit www.supersaverweek.co.uk and ‘Like’ www.facebook.co.uk/loveoldham or www.facebook/tommyfieldmarkethall or follow @OldhamCouncil on Twitter.

Take a look at the best tweets from #OurDay here. The day started at 7am, with members of the communications team visiting different teams across the day. 

“Good morning Oldham! We're out with Chris and Alan in our litter picking team this morning #ourday”

“Press officer Jamie is dealing with his first query of the day. #ourday“   

“We're down at Arkwright St refuse centre dropping a load off (Chris and Alan visit it about 10 times a day) #OurDay“   

“The Moorhey Street team are busy repairing and MOTing our fleet #OurDay“  

“This is one of our apprentices, Daniel, who's come through @EmployOldham #ourday”  

“Our gritters and and grit mountain are ready for winter #OurDay”

“Tony and Andrew at @OldhamCouncil Control Room -last year service assisted Police with over 550 incidents #OurDay”

“At the Link Centre with Mick, @OldhamCouncil's deafblind development officer who is advising a resident #OurDay”

“Meet @librarygalsuze library development officer in @oldhamlibraries' new Performance Space. #OurDay @OldhamCouncil”

“Library Team ready to start the day!We're expecting approx 4951 visitors across our libraries. See you soon!#OurDay”

“This is Gordon from our web team, he's busy updating content on http://www.oldham.gov.uk #OurDay” 

“The girls have been here since 6.40am preparing school meals for 430 children. #OurDay @OldhamCouncil”

“Amanda, Sughra, Shaukat and Vic from our welfare rights team #OurDay“

“Our @EmployOldham team have helped 2548 people into work opportunities #OurDay” 

“Quick Customer Development Team check in to see how we are doing today @OldhamCouncil #OurDay”

“We’re out with Andy, @OldhamCouncil selective licensing officer in Clarksfield to investigate a property #OurDay”

“The team often give residents bin bags when they struggle with places to put their bin. #OurDay”

“Dean Irving, Alan Byron and James bowers working in chadderton today. Keep an eye out for them. #OurDay”

“Paul's following the refuse vehicles this afternoon. The software allows managers to track work flow. #OurDay”

“.@OCLactive meeting contractors to discuss the new leisure centre opening (it opened today!) #OurDay” 

“Matt, Dave and Mic from the parks team working away in the wind and rain. Keep it up guys! #OurDay”

“Surveying the drains now with the Mick and Carl. The lads need to make sure all drains are clear. #OurDay” 

“This is our Do It Online team, they're here help you access online services #OurDay”

“Did you know there used to be 140 people working our Highways team in the 90’s? There's just 33 today #OurDay” 

“Did you know? @Oldhamlibraries had 1,485,446 visitors last year and issued 574,492 books #OurDay”

Bring your friends and family along and enjoy the spook-tacular events across Oldham. 

Spooky Saturday, 24 October, 11am - 4pm, Oldham town centre

Come along to the High Street and meet the Mystery Machine’s greatest asset, Scooby-Doo.

Make monster masks and chilling arts and crafts, get close to revolting reptiles and join the Mad Science professors for slime time.

PLUS Frightening face painting and spine-tingling storytelling in Tommyfield Market Hall

The Vampire Cat,  24 October, 10.30am – 12noon, Albion Street, shop Unit 1 

Bernard was an ordinary cat until he encountered the vampire, Maxmillian Von Strangfelt. With his new found eating habits, he must find a new home, friends and his place in the world. Listen to the story of Bernard, the Vampire Cat, read by Manchester actor and writer, Anthony Bowers-Smith. 

A Spooky Half Term with Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, 24 Oct - 31 Oct 

Visit Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre for their Halloween half-term holiday fun.

Join Shopping Susie at the Arty Party on 24 October, 10am – 12noon and 1pm – 3pm, where you can create spook-tacular Halloween crafts to take home.

Get your thinking caps on and take part in the Halloween Hunt and find the hidden characters around town centre shops and if that’s not enough, there’s spooky face painting on 31 October, 10am – 4pm!

Frightening Film @ the Library – The Witches (PG), 24 October, 6pm, Oldham Library Performance Space 

Visit Oldham Library for the spooky screening of Roald Dahl’s spine chilling story and learn about the cunning witches and their dastardly plans.

To book visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary

Oldham and Uppermill Ghost Walks,  29, 30, 31 October, 8pm, Oldham and Uppermill, from £7.50

Take part in these ghostly walks and prepare to discover the scariest places in Oldham and Uppermill. Enjoy diverse, scary stories, steeped with history and interesting facts. The walks last around two hours and includes an interval.

Oldham Ghost Walks – meet outside Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom Street, Oldham, OL1 3SW, 8pm

Uppermill Ghost Walks – meet at Civic Hall, Lee St, Uppermill, OL3 6AE, 8pm

To book please call: 0161 764 4972

The Little Shop of Horrors Singalong Special, 31 October, 8pm, Shaw Playhouse 2, £5

Singalong to this 1986 film -Songs include the title track, and Suddenly Seymour.

Tickets for all shows available from Interiors, Market St., Shaw 

To book call 01706 840400 or visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/playhouse2

Chadderton Hall Halloween Fun Day, 31 October, 1 - 3pm, Chadderton Hall Park, free

Get spooky this Halloween and join in with treacherous treasure hunts, scary circus skills, eerie arts and crafts and much more. 

No need to book. 

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, 31 October, 2pm, Oldham Library Performance Space, £3.50 

Cracking clay animation film fun for Halloween. Join the loveable duo Wallace and Gromit as they try and protect the town from a giant monster rabbit. 

To book, visit: www.thesmallcinema.com 

We’ve had a great time working with Catherine Manford from Colour the Clouds who bring ‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ to Oldham Library on the 10 October.

This week, we’ve been finalising the sound and seating arrangements with her in our newly refurbished Performance Space and she had this to say...

Catherine Manford, Composer/ Musical Director or Colour The Clouds’ new production ‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ explains why bringing the show to Oldham Library is so important…

For those of you who have already been to Oldham Library’s performance space, I have some exciting news…

And for those of you who haven’t yet visited this unique, atmospheric performance space, well, you are in for a real treat…

Oldham Library is home to a wonderful theatre-like performance space, home of the Live @ The Library programme of events.  The space has undergone recent renovations to improve and better both the technical aspects (lighting and sound) and cast and audience facilities; dressing rooms, and a new seating bank.

How lucky are the people of Oldham to have such a wonderful place to go to watch and be involved in theatre, poetry, book-reading, and children’s theatre events.  Add to this the fact that the building is also home to the magnificent Oldham Library, Gallery Oldham, and The Naked Bean café, and it becomes an even more attractive place to visit!

The library is a real hub of the community, playing host to a range of events, classes and groups, such as Baby Sensory, Book Clubs and Film Nights.

It is a space where families can come together to learn, to explore, to be entertained and inspired. It is no wonder then, that Colour The Clouds are so excited to be bringing their latest show, ‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ to Oldham Library’s Performance Space next month.

Colour The Clouds’ first production, the award-winning Billy, The Monster and ME! Played to sell out audiences at Oldham Library last October.  The feedback was fabulous and the atmosphere of family-friendly interactive theatre was really exciting!  

True to Colour The Clouds’ style, ‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ does not disappoint, with visually stimulating puppetry and adventurous physical theatre, an original score of live and recorded music, and underlying it all, a beautifully written story of loss, grief, love and hope.

Under Alyx Tole’s direction… Catherine Manford’s charming and playful musical composition and Mark Fox’s sensitive but atmospheric lighting design provide a perfect multisensory environment to tackle this difficult subject. Writer Sarah Birch has penned this story with a truth and honesty which is truly beautiful, offering a realistic insight of a child’s journey through grief.

- Kirst Stott, Upstaged Manchester September 2015

Colour The Clouds are proud to have developed the ‘beautiful and moving’ * ‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ with support from Winston’s Wish; the charity for bereaved children, and welcome families who have been affected by bereavement to see their production.  However, the production is absolutely accessible to those who have yet to experience the inevitable loss and grief of someone close, be it a pet, a friend, or, as in Maggie’s case, a close family member.

Maggie is a young girl, whose world is coloured by a beautiful playground of music; every significant person, place and object in her life has a melody. Maggie’s best friend is her Granddad and together they have amazing adventures and take fantastic journeys, all set to Maggie’s beautiful music. When her granddad dies suddenly, Maggie’s music disappears and she must learn to adapt to a different kind of world.  Exploring the journey of grief through the eyes of a child, we see that whilst there is sadness, there is also hope as Maggie learns to find her music again.

Recommended for ages 7+, Maggie and the Song of the Sea offers young audiences and their families a chance to explore the issues of grief and loss through the eyes of a very special little girl.

‘…Maggie and the Song of the Sea offers the chance for children to learn about death in a non-threatening environment. Children learn best about difficult things through stories, and Maggie is a realistic portrayal of a child’s journey through grief. This piece of theatre works on so many levels to communicate about love and loss, resilience and coping.'*

*Rebekah Lawson, North-West Family Services, Winston’s Wish

So why bring this new piece of writing to a library?

Well, as Sarah Birch, writer and producer of ‘Maggie’ explains;

‘Oldham Library - what better place to share our family-friendly production than the hub of the community; a place where families of all age-groups can come together, to learn, to read, to discover; a place where they can access resources to further explore and understand the themes dealt with in the show, a place where as a parent, you can relax knowing that there is space for little ones to play and read, where there are decent toilet/ baby changing facilities, and, a place where you can get a good brew and cake or panini and a milkshake, or whatever you fancy!’

If you haven’t been yet, then make sure you do.  If you have been before, then come again and be reminded of all the wonderful things that are happening right here on your doorstep.

Written by Catherine Manford; Co-Director of Colour The Clouds

‘Maggie and the Song of the Sea’ plays at Oldham Library’s NEW and IMPROVED Performance Space on Saturday 10th October 11am and 2pm

To book tickets for Maggie and the Song of the Sea, and to see full listings for upcoming events, please visit:

Oldham’s Vintage Market, 22 August 

It's Oldham's Vintage Market tomorrow withwww.scootssuitsandboots.com!

30 stalls of vintage goods, live music and activities for all the family. Indie Quarter (Yorkshire Street), 10am - 4pm.

This is the first market in Oldham of its kind and is not to be missed! Find out more here: http://ow.ly/RbpXF

Remember you can park in the town centre free for 3 hours too!

Find out more: http://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200744/free_parking_offer

Duck Race, 22 August 

Ready, steady, Quack!

Get yourself down to River Irk in Chadderton Hall Park tomorrow for the Dr Kershaw’s Duck Race! 12noon – 3pm

Thousands of rubber ducks will be released into the River Irk in Chadderton Hall Park – each with the chance of winning their owner a fabulous prize!

There will also be entertainment on the day, including live performances and music, inflatables, carnival stalls, food, drink, and much more.

To purchase your duck visit: http://www.drkershawshospice.org.uk/onlineshop/singleducks15

You can also get your duck on the day, but they’re selling out fast, so hurry!

Shaun the Sheep the Movie, 22 August 

The library is going to be baaarrrmy tomorrow!

Watch Shaun the sheep in his latest blockbuster at Gallery Oldham, from 2pm.

There are also activities in the foyer from 12noon – 2pm.

For more information visit:

www.thesmallcinema.com

Rushcart Festival, 22 and 23 August

There are Morris men, performances, parades and more this weekend at the Rushcart Festival! 22 – 23 August Saturday, 9.30am – 5.15pm/ Sunday, 10am – 12noon.

For more information visit: http://www.morrismen.saddleworth.org.uk/

Futsal Youth Tournament , 23 August 

On Sunday at Futsal Oldham you can enter a 7 player team into a tournament for £25. The tournament kicks off at 2pm.

The Bloom and Grow judges visited Oldham today to view our entry into the North West in Bloom Competition.

The judges were wowed by some of the displays and gave hearty appreciation to the community spirit Oldham holds.

We were live-tweeting the visit throughout the day and gave live updates, news and more to our followers on @oldhamcouncil.  

Because we want everyone to see all the great work the parks team, community groups and employees have done, we’ve collated our favourite images from today and put them together in this blog post.

Take a look at the updates from our feed oldhamcouncil, below:

The judging is starting with a informal meet and greet at Alexandra Park. #BNG2015 

Dave Hillman, Myerscough College, talks about the excellent work we've been doing with the college. #BNG2015

A plaque from when Alexandra Park Conservatory first opened. #BNG2015

Say hello to the Bloom and Grow Team 2015! The judges today are Stephan and Teresa (centre). #BNG2015

A scarecrow watches over the plants in the Growing Hub. #BNG2015

Can anyone guess what this is? #BNG2015

Alex Park water fountain, presented by the Mayor of Oldham...Does anyone know what year? #BNG2015

The roof of Oldham Library is used to feed Bees. Who knew!? #BNG2015

Fresh Rosemary behind Gallery Oldham. The smell is unbeatable! #BNG2015

A disused Bowling Green has been turned into a Growing Hub in Waterhead by the local community. #BNG2015

We're now at the winner of the Private Gardens competition! Does your garden look as good as this!? #BNG2015

The pupils from Mayfield Primary school have created this piece of brilliant artwork for #BNG2015!

One of the last stops on the tour is the brilliant WOW bed in Oldham town centre. #BNG2015

The judges have just met a community group from Oldham Coliseum, who build hanging baskets and more! #BNG2015

The judges are now enjoying a dinner with the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham. #BNG2015

We'd like to thank the lovely Stephen and Teresa for visiting Oldham today and we hope you liked the town. #BNG2015

For more information or to see all the updates from today visit http://www.oldham.gov.uk/bloom_and_grow 

On Tuesday 7th July, over 1,200 children from Oldham performed alongside the Hallé Orchestra during a unique concert. Come and Play with the Hallé allows thousands of primary school children from across the North West of England the opportunity to participate with the Hallé, one of Britain’s finest symphony orchestras, in a series of concerts. The concerts are staged in the magnificent Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

The children from Oldham have all been taking part in a national whole class instrumental tuition programme, which gives pupils in all primary schools the opportunity of learning to play a musical instrument as part of their weekly curriculum. They turned up at the Bridgewater Hall along with their guitars, flutes, clarinets, violins, cellos, cornets, trombones, baritones and tubas for a memorable day. This is a very special event for Key Stage 2 children who have been learning their instruments through whole class tuition since September and is always a remarkable and stimulating occasion. The children came from every part of Oldham and had for some weeks had been preparing some pieces to play with the Hallé.

To raise awareness of all the great stalls in Tommyfield Market Hall we ran a ‘Market Stall of the Day’ on our social media channels. We featured a different trader on social media every day over two weeks to show just what the Market has to offer.

Take a look at all the stalls featured on our ‘Market Stall of the Day’ campaign:

Anthony Bayman’s Butchers

All the meat is sourced fresh from Anthony’s own and other local farms around the area. Get your hands on some lean beef for a perfect beef stew or buy some freshly prepared sausages made on the premises.

Crossleys Fish

Get the best selection of fish and seafood in Oldham, freshly handpicked every morning. If you can’t find your favourite dish, ask Crossleys, they will do their best and order it in ready for you to collect. Cook up a tasty fish pie or keep it simple and try some grilled Salmon.

For more information follow @crossleysfish on Twitter  

Sheer Beauty, the Beauty Salon

Get your hair cut, your nails coloured or book in for a last minute eyebrow wax before an important meeting or night out. You can get an eyebrow wax, tint and party lashes for just £20. The stall is run by sisters, Kathryn and Jen Lundy, who have been in the Market Hall for around a year now. Pop in and say hello.

For more info like Sheer Beauty on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheerBeautyOldham?fref=ts

Kate’s Crafts

Kate’s Crafts is a hidden gem located in the Market Hall. She sells everything to do with crafts, arts and textiles and creates bespoke greeting cards from scratch – she can even tailor her designs to your liking. Kate’s stall also sells all sorts of artist accessories including paint brushes and more.

Come along and have a browse at all the different materials, bespoke cards and invitations, handmade jewellery and more.

For more information like Kate’s Crafts on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/kates.artsandcrafts?fref=ts

Marwood’s Babywear

Marwoods sell all sorts of children’s accessories; clothing, communion dresses and clothing for all occasions. Pick up a dress for your toddler or get them a nice accessory to match some new shoes.

Send Marwoods a picture of your purchase and and they’ll display it on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marwoodsbabywear?fref=ts

Jackson’s the shoe repair shop and key cutting shop

Got a pair of shoes that need servicing? Take them to Jackson’s, located in Tommyfield Market Hall, and get them fixed. Jackson’s don’t just specialise in shoe repair, they also sell and engrave all types of trophies, specialise in key cutting and there’s also craft wear available.

Like Jackson’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/jacksonsoldham?fref=ts

Ray’s Fruit and Veg 

Ditch the chips and eat healthy on your lunch! Visit Taylor’s fruit and veg stall and browse all sorts of different produce, from strawberries to melons, sweet potato and broccoli. Everything from Ray’s stall is fresh and crispy and beats the prices of some big super markets.

Have a look around his stall and pick up some fresh veggies.

Catalogue Returns

Looking for some great clothes at a great price? Visit the Market Hall and get the lowest prices on High Street clothing brands, designer materials and more. All clothing starts from £5.

Domestic Appliances

Domestic Appliances have been trading in the market since 1992, after the Market Hall re-opened from the devastating fire. The central stall sells spares for all types of domestic appliances including vacuum cleaners, washing machines, tumble dryers and more. They repair and service all types of vacuum cleaners including Dyson and Henry. As well as this, they even sell irons, kettles and toasters.

For more information about the services and products call 07786 375 935

Mikes Chockys

26 years on the market and Mike is still standing strong, out in all weathers and is always smiling. Located on the outdoor market, Mike sells cakes, sweets, chocolate, broken biscuits, branded goods and seasonal chocolate – all sold at discount prices! Get some biscuits for the office or enjoy them yourself!

Shades Discounts and Wallpapers

Why travel out of town for DIY supplies when Shades has everything you need? They sell a fantastic range of wallpapers at discount prices and everything else you need to give your home a makeover. From brushes to rollers and branded paints – including Dulux and Crown – you’ll never be short of materials to choose from. Darren has been trading in the Market Hall for 15 years so he is no stranger to good customer service and product knowledge.

For more information call 07710 761691

Hyde’s Newsagents

If you’ve ever bought a newspaper off the market, you’ll already be familiar with Hyde’s Newsagents. It’s located at the entrance of the Market Hall and it’s been a feature on Tommyfield for over 25 years. If you want a newspaper, a specialist magazine, jigsaws, teddies or beanie babies, then keep Hyde’s Newsagents in mind.

You can like Hyde’s on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hydesnewsagents?fref=ts

Oskas Muffins

Looking for the best oven top muffins, bread and treats in town? Get yourself down to the Market Hall and visit Oskas Muffins. They sell traditional Lancashire top muffins baked from fresh and sell other breads and cakes. The stall is next to the entrance on the market via Curzon Street.

For more information, pop in and have a natter.

Sew Inn

Sew Inn is a petite stall in the Market Hall selling everything crafts and haberdashery. Pop in and say hello to the owner, Annette Minnis, who has been running the stall of a number of years. They sell all different types of high quality wool, patterned materials, buttons and everything else to do with crafts.

You can like Sew Inn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008431533706&fref=nf&pnref=story

Get ready for Bank Holiday Weekend in Oldham town centre.

From festival fun, entertainment and live music, you won’t be short of things to do – just come along and have fun!  

Take a look at our top events and activities taking place in Oldham:  

Festival Oldham, Saturday 23 May, 12 – 4pm, Oldham town centre

Enjoy bank holiday fun at Festival Oldham, a free feast for the imagination and a chance to experience family fun from across the world.

For more information visit: http://www.visitoldham.com/whats-on/festival-oldham-p303071 

Alchemy Festival, Saturday 23 May, 12noon – 7.30pm, in and around Oldham Coliseum

A wide range of fun-packed events for everyone featuring music, dance, comedy, fashion, literature, art and design plus delicious food markets to savour, this series of one-off collaborations and unique events promise to spice up Oldham like no other event this year!

‘All We Are’ at Oldham Library, Friday, 22 May, 8pm till late

The up and coming three piece band will be landing at Oldham Library on Friday night! Come and join the crowd and watch the band perform live. Have a listen to some of their songs below:

All We Are - Feel Safe 

All We Are - Utmost Good

All We Are - Keep Me Alive 

For more information about the band:

http://www.thisisallweare.co.uk/

‘Between Us We Know Everything’ – film something you know

Friday 22 May, 11am – 4pm, Gallery Oldham Gardens Saturday 23 May, 11am – 4pm, Festival Oldham

‘Between us, we know everything’…. seeks to capture what we know, everything we know and anything we know. It’s about putting faces to the facts, and bringing people into the story - making a huge online map of knowledge.

Visit the mobile video studio to film something you want to share with the world, and we’ll upload it to our dedicated website.

For more information visit: www.betweenusweknoweverything.com

Festival Fun in Tommyfield Market, 23 May, 11am – 3pm, Tommyfield Market  

Pop into Tommyfield Market for a day of Festival Fun and free face painting. Have a shop around, get to know the traders and have fun!

For more information about Love Your Local Market 2015 visit www.oldham.gov.uk/markets 

Love Your Local Market (LYLM) is a celebration of our market culture in the UK that happens over a fortnight in May.

There’s lots going on to celebrate the campaign. See performance’s from Dance Troupes, get your face painted for free, take part in craft workshops and watch live cooking demos. 

Not only that but new traders on outdoor markets are being offered three weeks of free trading when paying for three weeks upfront. 

We’d love to see images of you in the market throughout the two week campaign. So get involved on social media and tweet us. 

What’s On? 

Love Your Local Market Launch

16 May, Tommyfield Market, 11am – 3pm.

Presentation of the Trader of the Year Award, a live cookery demo, performances from JTS All Stars Dance Troupe (from Britain’s Got Talent) and free face painting.

Bingo in the Market Hall

18 May, Tommyfield Market Hall, 11am – 3pm.

Play bingo live in the Market hall, (Three sessions are available: 11.30am, 1pm, and 2.30pm. Booking is essential).

Festival Fun at Tommyfield

23 May, Tommyfield Market, 11am – 3pm.

Free face painting and festival entertainment as part of Festival Oldham.

Master Class in Crafts by ‘Kate’s Crafts’

27 May, Tommyfield Market Hall, 11am – 3pm.

Children’s workshop (ages 8-12), 11am –12.30pm. Girls, learn how to make a beaded bracelet. Boys,learn how to make a woven wristband. Adult’s workshop, 1.30 – 3pm. Learn how to make your own earrings or bracelets and take home everything you make. (Booking is essential for both workshops) Plus performances from InSync Dance Troupe throughout the day.

Cooking demo by ‘Love Food,Hate Waste’ and free face painting

28 May, Royton Market, 11am – 3pm.

Weekly market with a cooking demo and free face painting.

Free Face Painting

28 May, Shaw Market, 11am–3pm

Enjoy free face painting at the weekly market.

Children’s Fun Fair

28 – 30 May, Tommyfield Market, 11am – 4pm.

Enjoy a range of fun rides at Tommyfield. Rides payable on the day.

LYLM closing event

30 May, Tommyfield Market, 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Win prizes in the ‘Stack the Spud’ and ‘Guess the number of sweets in the jar’ competition, come and see live cookery demonstrations by ‘Love Food, Hate Waste'. Plus performances from Caroline’s School of Dance Troupe and free face painting.

See what else Tommyfield Market is doing and follow thier Facebook page. 

For more information:

E: [email protected] 

T: 0161 770 4707 

May 7 is your chance to have your say and vote in the general and local elections. If you live in Saddleworth or Shaw and Crompton you’ll also be able to vote for parish councillors.

Five reasons why voting is important:

You can make a real difference. Pre-election opinion polls show this year’s elections are proving to be an extremely closely run thing (Have a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/poll-tracker for the latest tracking information). The results of the election will affect your future, the result could even be life changing. Why would you want someone else to decide what’s best for you?

Westminster is a long way away but your council isn’t. Local elections will affect decisions in your community. From allotments to zebra crossings and everything in-between, your council makes decisions that will affect your daily life.

It’s your money, how do you want it spent? Your Council Tax helps to pay for local council services such as bins, libraries, street cleaning and looking after vulnerable children and adults. This is your chance to have your say on how your money is spent.

Councillors and MPs are here to help you. If you have a problem over the coming months, these are the people you can get in touch with to help improve your life.

You can’t complain if you don’t vote. You’ll have no grounds to complain about the issues or decisions that are being made if you don’t use your vote.

Not sure who to vote for?

You can find out about all the candidates across Oldham at http://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200038/elections/1485/election_notices

Do you have a small business? Are you looking to expand? Start up a business in the market hall or on one of our open markets in Oldham, Royton and Shaw.

The Tommyfield Market Hall has 232 units and 20 shops - making it one of the biggest markets in Greater Manchester. 

There is already a wide range of products and services to encourage shoppers, but we're always looking for a business that’s different!

Each business space is approximately 10ft square and rent is payable in advance on the 1st of the month.

The market hall is open Monday to Saturday, 9.00am – 5.15 pm.

Traders who open a business on the market are not tied into any long term contract and you can give just one week notice in writing if you want to leave.  

Take a look at some of our current traders...

Jackson’s - shoe repair, key cutting, engraving, trophies, key chains and more...

Crossley’s Fish - fresh fish imported daily

Anthony Bayman Butchers - fresh meat, homemade sausages and other meat treats  

Sheer Beauty - beauty treatments, hair, eyebrow waxing and more...

Kate’s Crafts - craft accessories, bespoke cards and gifts, art accessories and everything else crafty 

Marwoods Babywear - children’s designer wear, communion dresses and christening wear 

Catalogue Returns - high street brands at low prices...

Colour Room - professional colour room and hair stylist 

As part of the national ‘Love Your Local Market’ campaign we are offering new traders the chance to get 3 weeks of free trading. 

For more information about the offer call 0161 770 4515 

For more information about all the events in Oldham visit, www.visitoldham.com

Take a look at some of the images from last year’s Spring into Oldham event. 

Takes place tomorrow, from 10am - 4pm, on the High Street, Albion Street and Tommyfield Market.